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The Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice in a shallow wooden bowl, placed on a marble surface. Beside it is a plate of carnitas in a tortilla.

Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice

If you’ve ever craved the citrusy rice from Chipotle, then this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is exactly what you need!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 287 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice preferably basmati
  • 2 ¼ cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or rice bran oil, like Chipotle uses
  • 1 teaspoon salt kosher or sea salt
  • 3 tbsp lime juice juiced (or 1 ½ key limes), add more to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and turns slightly translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
    1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Add the water, bay leaf, and salt, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
    2 ¼ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 bay leaf
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam.
  • Taste the rice and see if it needs more salt. If it does, in a small bowl, mix the lime juice, and lemon hjuice with a pinch of salt until dissolved. Drizzle it over the rice, then fluff with a fork.
    If it doesn't need more salt, add the juices as is and fluff with a fork.
    3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and toss the rice to evenly distribute the flavors.
    ¼ cup fresh cilantro

Notes

• Use basmati rice for the closest match to Chipotle’s rice texture.
• Rice bran oil is what Chipotle uses, but vegetable oil works just fine.
• Letting the rice rest covered after cooking is key to getting the perfect fluffy texture.
• Adjust the lime to taste, Chipotle’s rice has a light but noticeable citrus kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 592mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice recipe
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